I need support with this Political Science question so I can learn better.

With a 250-word response in support or rejecting their submission with a minimum of one citation for each response.

(2 responses below)

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Respond to Submission No. 1 : 250 words, 1 source:

“First and foremost, cooperation is key. Respecting the sovereignty of our neighbors to the South is incredibly important, and as such it is paramount that we establish, and continue to build, working relationships with the government of Mexico in our attempts to dismantle the drug cartels. Luckily, if I “were the President,” I would be inheriting an already lucrative relationship between us: “The United States and Mexico have established a strong and successful bilateral security partnership in the last decade and, to that end, the DEA continues to work with our Mexican partners to provide any assistance, as requested, to build upon these successes (Knierim).” My emphasis, however, would not be on the militaristic components of our partnership, and rather focus on development.

The “War on Drugs” isn’t a war that can be won with firepower alone; if we want to stop the cartels we have to provide people with an alternative. This reminds me of our first discussion post discussing gangs. The only way to stop them from being able to continuously recruit members is to address the root problems, namely poverty, economic immobility, and lack of access to quality education. A massive push towards further developing the economy and civil society would be top priority. I think the success of this approach can be verified by comparing the USAID priorities in Mexico to, the relatively more successful, case of Columbia. In 2019 44% of money given to Mexico by USAID was dedicated to “Conflict, Peace, and Security” while only 31% of the aid was directed towards “Government and Civil Society.” Converse to that in Columbia, where there has been reduced cartel activity, 13% of the funds were directed at “Conflict, Peace, and Security” and 37% was funneled towards “Government and Civil Society (USAID).” Prioritizing improving the social condition first is, in my belief, a prerequisite to genuine security.

Describe the response from the citizens of Mexico regarding Mexico’s Drug Trafficking Organizations. How are these organizations perceived?

“An overwhelming majority (83%) continues to endorse the use of the Mexican army to fight drug traffickers, virtually unchanged in recent years. Moreover, many welcome U.S. help in training Mexican police and military personnel (74%) and providing money and weapons to Mexican police and military forces (64%) (Pew Research Center).”

I found these numbers quite interesting, as they were the exact opposite of what I had assumed before researching it. Between movies, music, video games, whatever I’m sure we have all been exposed to the idea that cartel members are seen as badass, cool, tough guys that the youth aspire to be like. While I’m sure that does exist as a subculture, I found it surprising how far the actual numbers strayed from that stereotype.

Knierim, Paul E. “NARCOS: TRANSNATIONAL CARTELS AND BORDER SECURITY.” DEA, DEA, 12 Dec. 2018, www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/DEA Testimony – Mexican Cartels – SJC-12-12-2018.pdf.

Pew Research Center. “Crime and Drug Cartels Top Concerns in Mexico.” Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project, Pew Research Center, 31 May 2020, www.pewresearch.org/global/2011/08/31/crime-and-drug-cartels-top-concerns-in-mexico/ (Links to an external site.).

USAID. “Foreign Aid Explorer.” USAID Foreign Aid Explorer, USAID, explorer.usaid.gov.

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Respond to Submission No. 2 : 250 words, 1 source:

“Exam the Government of Mexico’s response to drug education and treatment.

Targeting school age children and educating them about the dangers of drug usage is crucial. Often the only interaction these children have regarding drugs is from the drug dealers and Cartel members themselves. The Cartels are going to try and make the drugs appealing, sexy and a way to escape daily life and a way to possibly make money. Scientist, Salomon and Lucy Dabbah are working to change the way children view drug usage in Mexico. “The Dabbahs head the Mexico chapter of the Los Angeles-based Foundation for a Drug-Free World. The centerpiece of the Foundation’s work is the Truth About Drugs program and its fact-filled, hard-hitting audiovisual and printed educational materials. The program includes booklets handed out by the tens of thousands that give young people the straight facts, with no scare tactics, covering a dozen of the most commonly abused substances—marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, alcohol, heroin and more”(Ballesteros). They pass out pamphlets to young people to show them that drugs are a “poison” and hurt the body and mind. It is important work they are doing in Mexico and they have partnered with some Mexican government organizations to help distribute the pamphlets. Education is key and educating children at earlier ages may prevent them from using as they grow older. The “good guys” are always going to be pushing against the narrative the Cartels put out that drugs are an “escape” and a way to enhance your life. Ideally, Mexico can collaborate with programs that have worked in the United States to spread drug awareness to children.

Works Cited:

Ballesteros, Maite. “Drug Education for Kids Can Stop Mexico’s Drug War.” Freedom Magazine, 22 Sept. 2014, www.freedommag.org/issue/201410-created-equal/world/drug-education-kids-stop-mexico-drug-war.html.

Felbab-Brown, Vanda. “Mexican Cartels Are Providing COVID-19 Assistance. Why That’s Not Surprising.” Brookings, Brookings, 27 Apr. 2020, www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/04/27/mexican-cartels-are-providing-covid-19-assistance-why-thats-not-surprising/ (Links to an external site.).

Tulane University, HLMS 7100 – NarcoTerrorism, Module # Four Lecture, (Jack Riley).”

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1 response, 250 words and 1 source per submission

2 submissions above